Ford XR6 Turbo Sprint, XR8 Sprint confirmed: More power, unique build numbers

The new specials will be available in limited numbers and, while Ford hasn't revealed just how limited availability will be, it confirmed that the nameplate will feature on both XR6 Turbo and XR8 variants.

Both variants in the Sprint line will get an as-yet undefined power upgrade, along with a unique braking package, wheels, exterior stripe design and interior, while also receiving Sprint badging on both the outside and inside.

While the Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo Sprint will be automatic only (six-speed), the Ford Falcon XR8 Sprint will be available as both an automatic and manual (both six-speed).

“There has been a lot of speculation around what our plans are for Falcon in 2016 and today we’re happy to confirm that Ford will build a special series to celebrate Australia’s large sedan,” according to Graeme Whickman, Ford Australia president and CEO.

“The Falcon XR Sprint is aligned to the understated look of our notable historic performance Falcons; they will be styled with design and dynamic influences that are distinctly different in feel, presence and execution,” Whickman said.

“The XR Sprint will be a limited-edition series and one we think will be highly regarded by our Falcon fans. Ultimately too, like many of our performance Fords, we expect it to be a highly collectible car.”

“2016 will certainly an exciting year for Ford. Apart from continuing to fill the 4,000 customer orders for the Mustang V8 and Mustang EcoBoost, later in the year our performance fans will also be able to enjoy the Focus RS and XR Sprint.”

Ford has spent a great deal of time developing the limited edition Sprint at its proving ground in Lara, just outside Melbourne. While we don't have any further details at this stage, Ford is expected to reveal more information early in the new year.

As we reported earlier in the year, ‘Sprint’ as a nameplate was last used for a special edition AU Falcon called the Ford Falcon XR6 VCT Sprint.

It featured the body kit from the XR8 Rebel and came with variable cam timing (VCT) from the higher specification XR6 VCT.

Prior to that, the nameplate’s most recent use was in the ED Falcon.

With the company today confirming power upgrades for the XR6 Turbo Sprint and XR8 Sprint, we should expect to see the XR6 Turbo Sprint pushing out around 310kW of power and the XR8 Sprint potentially sitting at a GT-F equalling 351kW of power.

Watch for more details to come early in 2016.

Does the announcement of the Ford Falcon Sprint range make you want to get back into a Falcon before the manufacturer ceases local manufacturing in 2016?